Bocas de Toro in Panama: what is the new sustainable paradise in the Caribbean like

Panama has always been a perfect enclave to get on foot and jump to another destination. But things have changed, now it becomes slow and instead of proposing itself as a springboard, it invites you to enter its rituals to discover the delicacy of nature in its purest form.

Bocas de Toro, in Panama, is the next Caribbean destination. It offers the traveler a unique experience in the rainforest, to delve into the culture of the indigenous peoples of the area, such as the Ngäbe and the Teribes, a rosary of almost uninhabited islands with pristine beaches, a natural laboratory for evolutionary study and climate change, as well as the first Hope Spot ( hope) of Mission Blue, a program focused on the rehabilitation and preservation of the marine ecosystem.

In an idyllic setting on the UNESCO World Heritage Islands this site promises to attract travelers in search of nature, perfect waves and spacious landscapes away from the crowds.

It comprises part of the continental territory of Panama, as well as a chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea that represent the country's vibrant Caribbean culture . The three most famous islands in Bocas del Toro are Colon Island, the main one; Bastimentos, one of the largest in Panama; and the small Carenero Island. Called the Caribbean Galapagos, the archipelago is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet and, once there, you can see the diverse Caribbean fauna and flora up close, whether it's snorkeling, walking through the National Park or watching butterflies and sea turtles.

For the visitor with little time, the ideal tour invites you to spend the day exploring the local nature and then enjoying the nightlife. For those who have diving experience, it is possible to go on a scientific dive with the Smithsonian. If you are looking for a more accessible marine activity, you can opt for the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, where you can surf, snorkel and dive.

Bocas del Toro is home to 95% of the Caribbean's coral species, so the traveler should prepare to see a wonderful array of tropical reef creatures including cat sharks, rays, and many species of crabs and locusts. To explore even more, you can opt for a bioluminescent tour or explore the Nivida Bat Cave.

From Panama City, you can take a 45-minute flight from Marcos A. Gelbert Airport, in the country's capital, to the town of Bocas on Isla Colón. The trip by bus or car from Panama City to the port of Almirante in Bocas del Toro is approximately 9 hours, followed by a 35-minute boat ride or ferry ride to Bocas City on Isla Colón for one and a half hours.

La esperanza marina

Mission Blue is an organization that inspires the action of exploring and protecting the ocean. Led by legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue is joining a global coalition to inspire increased public awareness, access and support for a global network of marine protected areas called Hope Spots.

Bocas del Toro's marine environment is unique and faces many threats, including: high levels of nutrients in the water from banana plantations, increased water temperatures, large amounts of sediment, and overfishing.

This archipelago is home to a range of important marine organisms including endangered sea turtles, a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, more than 120 species of sponges, three distinct species of mangroves and a diverse selection of Caribbean coral species. Due to increased human activity in the archipelago, many species that are already threatened or vulnerable, such as the leatherback turtle and Acropora coral species, remain in a fragile predicament.

The Bocas del Toro Hope Spot has been operating in this destination for two years. The team brings together members representing the School for Field Studies, Caribbean Coral Restoration, The Sea Turtle Conservancy, Cacao Blessings, Mar Alliance as well as a few individual Goodwill Ambassadors.

La grandiosa

Isla Colón is the most populated island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and is home to some of the area's top destinations, full of ecological wonders and beach trips. Here is Bocas, the main city and the center of the province.

On Isla Colón you will find Playa Estrella, also known as “Playa Estrella de Mar”, a protected ecotourism destination, where you can also experience the Afro-Caribbean culture and food of the area. Important: do not touch the starfish because they are very likely to die.

Another option on the same island is Bluff Beach, where world-class surfing is practiced and you can learn about local sea turtle conservation efforts. On the way to Bluff Beach, it's common to stop at Paki Point, a quiet beach ideal for cooling off with a beer, or at Playa Tortuga, a resort with the largest oceanfront pool in the area, or the perfect beaches of Boca del Drago.

For its part, La Coralina Island House is located on Isla Colón itself, on Paunch Beach, one of the most popular among surfers going to Bocas del Toro. With waves that vary in size, specialists of all levels venture to the destination. Panza has the charm and tranquility of the most deserted beaches, but with just the right excitement for those looking for a little adventure. Water sports are a perfect destination and wildlife is part of the landscape, where you can observe a wide variety of birds, as well as sloths, iguanas and monkeys.

The architecture of La Coralina is inspired by Javanese and Balinese shapes and decor, and provides an immersive experience, with private gardens or balconies overlooking the ocean. In the decor, wood, fabrics and art objects have Asian and handmade motifs, such as silks, batiks, stone carvings from Bali and antique furniture from Java.

It is also easy to organize any of the various activities, from stand-up paddle, to kitesurfing, or diving or snorkeling, hiking to watch the animals. Unmissable boat trips. Ideal if the experience takes place on the Don Juan monohull, a sailboat of 28.96 m/95 feet, with capacity for 6 people and three crew members.

The natural hatching

Nature overflows in every way. Carenero Island, a small wooded island just 2 minutes by boat from the town of Bocas, is the ideal choice for a day trip. You can walk around the island in about an hour and then hit the beach for beginner surfing, paddle boarding or tasting seafood at some of the best beach restaurants on the islands.

Isla Bastimentos is one of the largest in Panama and offers a relaxed alternative to the busy streets and bars of downtown Bocas. Just a ten-minute water taxi ride from Isla Colón, Bastimentos has many wonderful beaches, such as the picturesque Wizard, which can be reached by a jungle trail.

Polo Beach, surrounded by coral, with calm waters and few visitors is perfect for a peaceful spirit. For one of the best places to dive, the destination is Coral Cay. Named after the village of small red frogs that inhabit the nearby forest, the Red Frog Beach resort has a popular bar where you can have a beer and spend the day on the beach.

Then, at the western end of the island, between the forest and the sea, lies Old Bank, home to the Afro-Caribbean community Guaymi. Isla Bastimentos is also home to Zapatilla Cays, two beautiful uninhabited islands. One of the keys, Cayo Zapatilla Sur, is open to visitors and is definitely worth going.

KEEP READING: